Acreage Holdings, a multi-state marijuana company, was planning to run a medical marijuana commercial during Super Bowl 53, but CBS rejected the proposal after seeing the commercial. (Scroll down to watch the commercial.)
The Super Bowl is one of the most watched programs every year, Time notes. These commercials are some of the most anticipated by viewers all year long. For some, it’s more exciting to watch the commercials than the game itself.
According to Acreage Holdings’ President, George Allen, it was the prime opportunity to “create an advocacy campaign for constituents who are being lost in the dialogue.”
Allen said, “We certainly thought there was a chance. You strike when the chance of your strike has the probability of success…”
The proposed commercial had an important message and featured a child with epilepsy and a veteran who suffered injuries in combat. The commercial’s intent was to serve as a “call to political action” and not a “pitch” for the brand.